The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Float parade attracts huge turnout

Roxroy McLean, Star Writer

Spectators watch the 'Word, Sounds and Power' media float, as it travels along Half-Way Tree Road during the Independence Day Float Parade on Wednesday. - Norman Grindley

Just as RDX's song proclaims, 'To The World,' the same could be said for the Independence Day Street Parade, organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

Maybe, it was the colourfully designed floats, or the energy generated from the vibrant music bands, that left patrons wanting more, but Jamaicans, who came to celebrate the country's 46th anniversary, had a great time.

Clad in the national colours

The parade, held on Wednesday, saw patrons from all walks of life, clad in the national colours of black, green, and gold, witnessing a spectacular display of cultural identity.

Prior to arriving at the start-off point, at The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road, The Starwitnessed a number of persons at gas stations and on street corners anxiously waiting to see the floats.

However, while directors assembled the bands, the atmosphere increased as patrons jumped, blowing whistles, and waving Jamaican flags each time a float truck passed their way.

One Love, One Family

The theme 'One Love, One Family', was evident as patrons were seen celebrating on a unified platform and, for some, it was a great way to celebrate Independence.

"This is great, I've met so many new people," said a very jubilant lady.

As the costumes and floats, each costing $10 million, were revealed to onlookers, a huge uproar came when they saw Miss Jamaica World, Yendi Phillipps, along with Miss Jamaica Festival Queen, Katrina Grant, and several Jamaican beauties, passing by on vintage cars.

They were modelling in well designed sports and classic cars, the sight proved too much for one female, who shouted: "Mi caan believe mi a see dis. Yendi a really you dat?" she asked.

Remarkable floats on display

The parade rolled down Hope Road and then onto Half-Way Tree Road, where the excitement mounted. Scores of patrons lined both sides of the road and, from baby to granny, were dancing to the music played on the disco trucks.

While some were stunned by the 10 remarkable floats on display, others switched their attention, 'gully creeping' to Elephant Man's song. Mavado's I'm So Special and RDX's To The World had the crowd swinging.

Roy Rayon, winner of the JCDC's Festival Song competition, performed briefly but made a tremendous effort to keep the vibes flowing, much to the pleasure of the fans.

Several other artistes, who participated in the competition, delivered well, and had the crowd in a jubilant mood.

"This a more than a street parade," shouted a patron, who declined to give her name, but hinted that the parade made her and her children very happy.

"Yeah man, dem a gwan wid things, yuh nuh see how mi youth dem happy, and dem glad fi see it," she said.

All aspects of Jamaica's history was represented, even the sugar cane farmer. 46 Independence Celebration and Float Parade. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer